Demolition program to get underway soon in Sebring

Village Manager Rick Giroux reported at Monday's Sebring Council meeting that the demolition program will begin soon as part of continuing efforts by the village to clean up abandoned and distressed properties.

Grant funds of $30,000 from the Mahoning County Land Bank (MCLB) were awarded in 2013 and the village is moving forward with its 2014 demolition program. According to Giroux, two houses are scheduled for immediate demolition, a duplex at 284/286 W. Pennsylvania Ave. and a house at 126 W. Maryland Ave.

"The condemnation reassessments of 599 W. California are all complete," Giroux said. "The health department indicated that if the owner takes no action by March 13, we can proceed with the abatement and demolition of this property at any time contingent upon funding."

The MCLB was notified of a new $76,000 demolition grant from the Ohio attorney general. Because Sebring did not qualify under the guidelines for the recent state-funded $8.475 million demolition grant application for 2014, Giroux provided MCLB information to apply for further funding from this latest round of funds instead.

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Council approved the lone resolution on the agenda, the quarterly property tax resolution. It is an annual renewal to request that property taxes are disbursed on a quarterly basis rather than an annual basis.

Council will review a proposal for monthly billing of water and sewer accounts.

Sebring's audit company, Jullian and Grube, will begin the biannual audit on March 31.

There was no action following an executive session at Monday's meeting.